Solar Storm Expected to Hit Earth

The Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a strong geomagnetic storm watch for September 12, which could affect power systems, satellite operations and radio frequencies. It could also lead to some great chances to see the aurora borealis, or "northern lights," as far south as Maryland.

The geomagnetic storm will be hitting Earth with a large amount of solar radiation. These storms, also known as solar storms, are caused when the sun ejects a powerful blast of radiation, or coronal mass ejection (CME). Two of these ejections have exploded off of the sun in the past two days, the second being classified in the "X" category reserved for the most intense flares. CMEs have also been linked to solar flares, the solar system's largest explosive events.

SWPC has reported that the storm has entered its main phase and is now at the G3 (Strong) level. The radiation won't harm humans, but they could interrupt communications and GPS signals. On the other hand, these storms can also create aurora, and aurora watchers should keep their eyes on the skies over the next couple of nights.

The solar storm is underway, and the SWPC will issue updates as needed.

Rachel is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow her on Twitter at @haasrachel.